A few splintered boards here and there aren’t necessarily cause for concern, but it is a sign that the deck needs to be cleaned. A clean deck allows you to see any problems that may be hiding beneath dirt, dust, and debris.
Wood rot and termite damage are major concerns. Look for splintering and cracking boards as well as holes, wood flakes, and signs of pest infestation. Visit https://www.mountjoycompany.com to learn more.
Before you can start any repairs, you need to have a full understanding of what your deck needs. Ideally, this should come from a professional that can provide you with a thorough inspection and assessment. It will include a comprehensive look at both the structural integrity of your deck and its surrounding areas. This will let you know what is and isn’t fixable, so that you can decide whether or not a repair or a replacement is more appropriate.
You can sometimes fix problems like cracks and splinters by simply patching them up. However, if there is any structural damage, it may be time for a complete replacement of your deck. Signs of structural damage include sagging or leaning boards, soft or spongy areas beneath your feet, and corroded joist hangers.
To determine if you need to replace your deck boards, walk on and around your deck. When you find a loose board, gently tap it with a hammer or screwdriver to see if it sounds hollow or feels soft. If it does, then it’s probably water damaged and needs to be replaced immediately. Loose boards that aren’t water damaged may be able to be re-fastened, but you will need to inspect them closely to ensure they don’t become rotted or warped in the future.
Once you have a clear view of what your deck requires, it’s time to gather materials and tools. This is especially important if you’re considering a stain instead of paint, as you need to prep your deck thoroughly to help it retain its longevity.
Aside from removing any loose paint, this will also help prevent mold and mildew growth, which are both common issues that can affect the longevity of your deck. A good scrub brush and a stiff natural or nylon bristle deck brush can quickly get rid of any dirt, debris, or loose paint that’s built up. If you choose to stain your deck, then you’ll need a high-quality clear wood preservative or exterior stain that contains a UV protectant. This will allow the stain to penetrate deeply into the wood grain, rather than just coating it, so that moisture won’t cause rot or mildew.
Repairing Damaged Boards
If a portion of your deck has been damaged by water or termites, it’s crucial to fix it as soon as possible. Moisture exposure causes wood rot, while termites eat away at the board’s integrity. Both problems can lead to sagging or loosening of the boards, which creates safety hazards. If the problem extends to a beam or joist, you’ll need to contact a professional for more extensive repairs.
To start, make sure the deck boards are completely dry. If moisture remains in the boards, it will cause further damage to the wood and create long-term problems with mildew. To speed up the drying process, you can use a hairdryer to remove excess moisture.
Next, use a pry bar or a hammer to loosen the nail slots in the damaged board. If the board is loose, it may be able to be removed and replaced. If it’s not, you will need to carefully chisel away the old wood, using a sharp chisel and tapping it gently with a hammer. Be sure to hammer only in the middle of the damaged area and avoid hitting any joists or other structural elements.
Afterward, replace the broken board with one that matches the rest of the deck. If you aren’t able to match the color or stain of your replacement, consider getting a general deck stain or sealer that will provide adequate protection and keep the new board looking good.
Once the repair is complete, be sure to check that all fasteners are secure. Weather fluctuations and vibrations from foot traffic can loosen nails, screws, and bolts, so regular inspections and tightening will help prevent them from becoming dislodged or corroded.
Deck repair may seem like a big chore, but taking care of this maintenance task will improve your outdoor living space and ensure the safety of your family and guests. For more serious issues, like a sagging deck or extensive mold damage, contacting an expert is always recommended. If you’re ready to give your deck the care it deserves, call us today. We are here to help you get the most out of your investment and enjoy your outdoor space worry-free!
Repairing Railings
A loose railing isn’t just a nuisance, it poses a safety hazard for people using the deck. While a few loose boards here and there usually aren’t a reason for alarm, if all the railings have become loose or deteriorated it’s definitely time to call in a professional.
If you have metal railings, check them frequently for signs of rust or corrosion. Metal isn’t as resilient as wood when it comes to weather changes, so it can succumb to moisture-related damage more easily. Regular cleaning and the use of rust inhibitors can help keep your metal railings looking new and functioning well.
Loose wooden railings aren’t as much of a safety issue as loose metal ones, but they still require consistent maintenance and attention to ensure their durability and functionality. You should regularly sand and refinish your wooden railings to keep them looking their best, and you should inspect them for signs of wear and damage. If you notice that your railings are loose, tighten the carriage bolts or screws that hold them in place. If the problem is caused by rotted or swollen posts, replace them. You can also add pressure-treated blocking tightly between the rim joists of your deck to provide support.
While you can repair most issues on your own, it’s worth calling in a professional when the job requires the right tools or knowledge of structural problems. A pro can save you a lot of time and effort, not to mention protect your investment in your deck.
Repairing Stairs
Stairs can become squeaky due to loose treads rubbing against risers or stringers. Treads can be fixed easily from below by using wedges or brackets to secure them to the riser. If access isn’t possible from below, squeaky stairs can be repaired from above by gluing and screwing wood blocks under the tread to secure it more firmly to the riser.
Loose or squeaky stairs can also indicate that there are structural problems with the deck or staircase. This requires careful inspection to determine what is causing the problem. Stairs should be inspected for structural integrity, as well as vertical and horizontal levelness. Stairs should also be inspected for any movement that may cause them to be unsafe or to collapse. It is important to identify the location of the squeak as this will help focus repair efforts and save time.
Most squeaks in stairs are caused by loose wood, especially as it weathers and shrinks over time. This can cause the treads to rub against the risers or stringers creating a high-pitched noise when someone steps on them. Squeaks are generally not serious but they can be very annoying and might cause people to avoid stair use.
Typically, squeaky stairs are easy to fix from below by securing the squeaky treads with wedges or brackets glued and screwed under the tread. This will stop the squeaking and may also improve the overall appearance of the staircase. If the squeak comes from the nosing of the staircase it will require a bit more work to repair as the nose of the stairs is attached with glue and nails.
It is important to prioritize repairs and focus on safety and structural issues first, while cosmetic fixes can wait for a later date. It is also important to budget for the cost of any repairs as costs can vary widely depending on the issue.
It is advisable to call in professional assistance to perform any structural or complex repairs to a deck and stairs as it will ensure that the repairs are made properly and safely, and that building codes are met. A reputable contractor will provide a written quote outlining the work to be done and an estimated cost for each item of repair.